Australia's Starc named Player of cricket World Cup

Melbourne, March 29 (IANS) Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc was on Sunday named the Player of the Tournament after his team won the 2015 World Cup defeating New Zealand in the final at the majestic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here.

The 25-year-old was the unanimous choice of a select group of experts, following his sensational form that helped guide his side to their fifth title in 11 tournaments.

The left-armer took 22 wickets at 10.18 runs per wicket with an economy rate of 3.50 runs per over. His best performance came against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, when he finished with 6/28.

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is also the brand ambassador of the tournament, handed over the award to Starc.

During the deliberations, members of the panel discussed several names including New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, his teammates Trent Boult and Martin Guptill, as well as Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara for his four consecutive centuries. In the end, it was the Australian who clinched the coveted honour.

The selection panel that chose Starc consisted of Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager - Cricket), Andrew Alderson (Journalist, New Zealand Herald), Harsha Bhogle (Broadcaster), Richard Kettleborough (ICC Umpire of the Year 2014), Chloe Saltau (Journalist, The Age) and Michael Vaughan (former England captain).